FOR neophyte 1-TAHANAN Party List Representative Nathaniel “Atty. Nat” M. Oducado, “health is wealth.”
This is why Oducado has filed House Bill No. 2661 in the House of Representatives, which seeks to gradually reduce the sodium content in pre-packaged food products such as canned goods, cereals, sandwich spreads, chips, and others.
The congressman explained that the measure aims to prevent the spread of diseases associated with these types of food, which are linked to the unhealthy lifestyle of some Filipinos who are fond of consuming food high in sodium.
He emphasized that diseases commonly caused by high sodium intake include hypertension or heart disease and chronic kidney disease, both of which affect a significant number of Filipinos.
According to Oducado, the bill does not simply aim to reduce salt content in pre-packaged foods—it is primarily intended to save the lives of Filipinos suffering from hypertension and kidney disease.
Oducado also expressed concern that many Filipinos lack sufficient knowledge about the food they consume. As a result, some end up suffering from hypertension and kidney disease—illnesses often considered “silent killers.”
The lawmaker added that through the reformulation of sodium levels outlined in House Bill No. 2661, food manufacturers are encouraged to create healthier food options without compromising the traditional taste or affordability of their products.
“The bill aims to encourage manufacturers to create healthier options without sacrificing taste or affordability,”Oducado stated.
